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TEL AVIV, Israel; On September 6, 2018, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, and together with the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) and Israel Innovation Authority (IIA), announced a pilot program to facilitate new cybersecurity solutions for the energy sector. Read more

Technology-driven Canadian companies active in the smart mobility space and interested in fuelling growth through international research and development collaboration are invited to apply to join the Canadian Smart Mobility Mission to Israel, scheduled for October 28-30, 2018.

Applications should be made to Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada in Tel Aviv. Interested companies must submit completed applications no later than September 4, 2018.

Innovation, Industry and Investment Veteran Recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Science and Society

Employees and Directors of the Canada-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) congratulate Dr. Orna Berry, former CIIRDF Chair of the Board of Directors and Israel Chief Scientist, on her receipt of an honorary Doctor of Science degree (honoris causa) at the spring 2018 convocation for the Faculty of Engineering at McGill University.

McGill is one of North America’s oldest and most distinguished universities, world renown for teaching and research. Honorary doctorates are McGill University’s highest honors, recognizing the distinguished contribution, outstanding achievements and impact of exceptional individuals who serve as inspiration for the leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Orna Berry delivers the keynote convocation address to the engineering graduates of McGill University in May 2018.

Through this honorary degree, McGill University recognized Dr. Berry’s outstanding contributions to her field, and society as a whole. A scientist, businesswoman and innovation leader, Dr. Berry is the undisputed first lady of Israeli high tech and the first woman to serve as Israel’s Chief Scientist and Head of Research and Development at the Israeli Ministry of Industry and Trade. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Berry has held numerous leadership positions in the Israeli science, technology and venture capital industries. This includes a five-year tenure as the Chair of the Board of CIIRDF from 1996 to 2000.

In addition to her honorary degree, McGill also invited Dr. Berry to deliver the convocation address to the engineering graduates of 2018. She provided a stirring presentation for these future leaders on the lawn of McGill’s beautiful campus in Montreal.

Just a few weeks later, Dr. Berry was recognized once again for her important contributions to the advancement of science, research and innovation at Israel’s Cyber Week where she received the Cyber Defender Award for 2018. CIIRDF is proud to have benefited from Dr. Berry and her leadership during its formative years, and applauds those who have acknowledged her many accomplishments.

The Board of Directors and employees of the Canada-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) honour the late Keith Parsonage, Former Director General at Industry Canada and, valued member of the CIIRDF Board of Directors for more than 12 years. Along with his many colleagues and friends in Canada and Israel, we are grateful for his dedicated service, leadership and commitment to the promotion of Canada-Israel R&D and technology partnership. We extend our sincere condolences to his family.

Mr. Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO of the Canadian Gas Association, and Dr. Henri Rothschild, President of CIIRDF, sign a new Memorandum of Understanding that will facilitate Canada-Israel collaboration in cybersecurity for the natural gas delivery industry.

OTTAWA, Ontario and TEL AVIV, Israel; January 9, 2018 – The Canada-Israel R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) and the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) today announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will facilitate Canada-Israel cybersecurity collaboration in the natural gas delivery industry.

Signed in late December by Dr. Henri Rothschild, President of CIIRDF, and Timothy Egan, President and CEO of the CGA, the MOU promotes and supports the exploration of mutually beneficial technology cooperation between Canada’s natural gas delivery industry and Israeli innovators and firms with cybersecurity solutions.

The MOU establishes a concrete framework for productive discussions among prospective collaborators in both countries. It also proposes the establishment of a cybersecurity technology cooperation program to identify priorities, evaluate specific opportunities, and consider application of innovative Israeli technology solutions to address the needs of Canadian natural gas delivery companies.

CIIRDF and the CGA will develop an implementation plan that translates the MOU into action, and facilitates initial discussions and matchmaking opportunities among potential Canadian and Israeli partners.

Quotes:
“Natural gas delivery companies are committed to the safe, secure and reliable delivery of natural gas to the 6.8 million customers who rely on it to meet their daily energy needs. CGA and our members are proud to work with CIIRDF and the Israel Innovation Authority, as well as with cyber solutions providers in Israel to advance technology solutions to our mutual benefit.”

Timothy M. Egan
President and CEO
Canadian Gas Association (CGA)

“I am proud of CIIRDF’s 23-year record in building mutually beneficial technology partnerships between Canada and Israel that deliver strong economic return. This MOU will enable us to work together to address a critical priority: the need to enhance the resilience of Canadian infrastructure and defend against growing cybersecurity challenges. Through ongoing information exchange and technology cooperation, we can identify, develop and adopt new cybersecurity solutions that protect Canada’s natural gas delivery systems, and create new economic opportunities for both countries.”

“We are pleased to have been a part of the discussions between CIIRDF and the CGA that have led to this important agreement to cooperate in sourcing future cyber solutions in Israel for Canada’s gas industry. And we look forward to working with both organizations through the Working Group toward the successful outcome of this important initiative.”

“As both Chairman of the CIIRDF Board of Directors, and the CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, I applaud the accord signed between CIIRDF and the CGA on matters relating to the cybersecurity needs of the CGA. I am confident that such technological cooperation will add another important dimension to our bilateral relations. We are confident that the joint work groups featuring Israeli cyber technology innovations will enhance the resilience of Canada’s gas industry.”

Aharon Aharon
Chairman of the Board, CIIRDF
CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority

About CGA
CGA is the voice of Canada’s natural gas delivery industry and its members are distribution companies, transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and other service providers. Natural gas has a central place in Canada’s energy mix meeting 36 per cent of the country’s energy needs. Today 6.8 million customers representing well over 20 million Canadians rely on natural gas for heat and power in homes, businesses, hospitals and schools.

About CIIRDF
The Canada-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) promotes, stimulates and invests in collaborative research and development between companies in Canada and Israel, with a focus on the commercialization of new technologies. Established in 1994 under a formal treaty between the Governments of Canada and Israel, CIIRDF is connected institutionally with the Israel Innovation Authority (the former Office of the Chief Scientist in Israel’s Ministry of the Economy). CIIRDF has financed more than 120 collaborative R&D projects that have contributed to the joint development and sale of more than 60 new global products. This has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic value for Canadian and Israeli companies over the past decade. For additional information, please visit: www.ciirdf.ca